Standing for better heart health

Spend less time sitting and more time standing in reduced blood sugar, cholesterol and weight - which translates to a lower risk of heart disease. Therefore, a study of Australian adults published in the July 30 edition of the journal European Heart Journal.

As part of Diabetes Australia, obesity, and the study of life, researchers monitored levels of about 700 adult activity to determine how long these volunteers spent sitting, standing, walking slowly, walking at a moderate pace vigorous. The results confirm that risk factors for heart disease worse.

Every two hours a day last session was associated with increased weight and waist and sugar levels in the blood and cholesterol. As expected, time spent walking instead of staying not only lowered cholesterol levels and blood sugar, it also reduces waist size and weight. Perhaps the most surprising moment by simply replacing two-hour walk to also sit improves sugar levels in the blood and cholesterol.

Many studies suggest that the more we sit, we are more likely to develop heart disease and other diseases such as diabetes and cancer. And if it comes to sit at the computer for work performed or on the sofa watching TV, many hours in our funds increases the risk of dying from any cause - even among people who exercise regularly. What for? When your body is still long, stopping to effectively use blood sugar. Muscle, mobility and flexibility are lost. In the long run, you may gain weight or develop depression.

"Regular exercise is an excellent way to prevent heart disease and improve overall health. One of the biggest perceived barriers to increasing physical activity is time. We always tell people that a little exercise is better than nothing, and this study reminds us that simple, achievable approaches make a difference, "says Dr. Gregory Curfman, a cardiologist and director of the Harvard Health Publications.

Even if your job or lifestyle does not stop you on your feet, most of us can find a way to endure. For example, try walking while you are

*  Waiting for the bus or train   
*  Folding laundry or sorting mail 
*  Watch television 
*  Preparing a meal 
*  Talking on the phone.

You can even set up your day at the office. To see if colleagues will agree a real "standing meeting." Get up and walk to the office of his colleague instead of relying heavily on email. And instead of making you comfortable in that extra chair, while standing speaking.

You can also ask your employer about buying a desktop stand. If this option is too expensive, a place on its own platform. You can find good inexpensive ideas on the Internet. "Sitting time at work The fall is a simple adjustment at hand can add significant health benefits," says Dr. Curfman.